Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
Blue Daily
| 3 min read
Sinus infections affect nearly 30 million Americans each year. For most, this causes facial discomfort, fatigue, sneezing or coughing. Some people with health conditions such as asthma, allergies or immune conditions may experience more respiratory distress or complications. Sinus infections and their communicability are often misunderstood.
What causes a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is also called sinusitis. Sinusitis is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection in one or more sinuses. The sinus cavities are four pairs of empty spaces in the head surrounding the nasal passages and are involved in the respiratory system’s functions. Normally, the sinus cavities are protected from infections by a layer of mucus that traps foreign substances such as bacteria, dust, dander or pollen for the body to dispose of through the digestive system. During a sinus infection soft tissues in the sinuses and nasal passages swell and trap mucus and bacteria in the sinuses.
Some individuals may be more prone to sinus infections because of:
- immune conditions
- a deviated septum
- narrow nasal passages
- polyps
- allergies or asthma
Some individuals may struggle to heal a sinus infection and can develop a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. If someone has a sinus infection for 12 weeks or longer, itis a chronic sinus infection.
Is a sinus infection contagious?
Sinus infections are not contagious. However, bacteria, viruses, mold or mildew that cause sinus infections can easily spread, especially in the cases of shared living spaces. Sometimes a sinus infection is caused by an environmental irritant such as cigarette smoke, pollutants or even seasonal allergies. Someone can’t contract a sinus infection from someone else, but the same cause or irritant can cause respiratory illness leading to sinus infections in multiple people.
Causes of sinus infections that can be contagious or spread
- fungi such as mold and mildew
- bacterial infections including the common cold
- viral infections including the flu and COVID-19
How are sinus infections treated?
Sinus infection treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms of sinusitis and eliminating the root cause of the infection. Symptoms treated with prescription or over-the-counter medications include:
- dripping or stuffy nose
- postnasal drip in the throat
- thick yellow or green mucus
- pressure or pain in the head, face and jaw
- headaches
- toothache
- ear pressure or pain
- bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- a cough or sneeze
- fatigue and tiredness
While not common, there can be some serious complications from chronic sinus infections, including further infection to the membranes and fluid in the brain and spine.
In some cases, a physician may prescribe antibiotics, decongestants, steroids or saline nasal rinses to treat a chronic, persistent or worsening sinus infection. You may also find aromatherapy or hot steam in the shower or bath may help relieve some symptoms.
How to prevent sinus infections
To avoid contracting a sinus infection or spreading contaminants that can cause infections in others, remember to follow these guidelines:
- wash hands thoroughly and regularly
- get recommended vaccinations, especially flu and COVID-19
- avoid others with respiratory infection, the common cold or the flu
- don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
- avoid alcohol, which can cause swelling in the sinuses and nasal passages
- drink plenty of water
- clean your air filters regularly
- use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate the humidity in your home
- practice proper food handling and safety practices
Photo credit: Getty Images
Related:
